Summer nights to Centennial Park

It’s really not that far, just be patient

Scale the sledding hill and roll back down in the grass

We were so young and naive but now all, all that’s past

When your eyes won’t meet mine in the County Market checkout line

I always knew there was something

You couldn’t seem to say

And I still wonder every single goddamn day

Were you ever okay

Blow off school, you say it’s not your flavor

You’re rolling blunts with the essay you wrote on looseleaf paper

Your masterpiece, cultured critique

Cauterized and obsolete

Reduced to ashes in a heap

Some say it’s a phase

But you’re all business

You’re all serious

You’re not bluffing, not today

I always knew there was something

Hidden inside your brain

A tendency, an inkling to go astray

You were never okay

I tried to pry but that only added distance

Pushed to the side just for trying to be a friend

But then they caught you with something in your hand

The day you told me to stay home

Heard it described over the phone

Within an inch of your life

Wielding the weapon, a kitchen knife

Passed out, body slumping to the right

Visiting hours restricted to family

Recite the safe code but you don’t wanna speak to me

And I still wonder every single goddamn day

Was I to blame

And I still wonder every single goddamn day